Numbers Can Tell a Story!

Our Daily Bread is more than a meal. For our guests, ODB is respect, community, support and care. And numbers can create a story.

Take these numbers, for example: For all 12 months of 2014: 
895 different people volunteered 27,199 hours over 9631 shifts. 
At the Texas Minimum Wage of $7.25 per hour, volunteers to Our Daily Bread saved and gave $197,192.75 in wages.

More than a meal, more than numbers-
that's what the mission of Our Daily Bread adds up to!

A Heart for the Hungry


 Join us Saturday, March 28 for a dinner, dancing, silent auction, and live auctions.

Some live auction items include tickets to athletic events as well as vacation get-aways!  Silent auction items include remarkable local art.

Mark your calendars, check our website, 

and get your tickets to join the supporters of Our Daily Bread.

RSVP Here
A Remarkable Gentleman
Millie Bell, Executive Director of ODB is most eloquent in the loss of Gene Williams:

"Most of you know Gene Williams. He was recognized last year at our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner as the most senior volunteer....96 years young. He served a "mean dessert" as well as a sweet smile and kind words for every person. This is the first year in many that he was not able to be our Santa Claus, as he was not well.

Gene led a full life and had a servant heart for ODB. He was the epitome of the word "Gentleman". We will miss him terribly."

For more about Gene, click here.

The entire Our Daily Bread family sends comfort for his family.
Preparing for the Point in Time Count
On Saturday, January 17, more than 20 volunteers arrived at ODB.  Individuals, couples, friends, and families worked together at ODB. Their task was the packing of bags and backpacks that were destined to be used Thursday, January 22 for the one-day count of in Denton County.  Volunteers prepared backpacks and sacks of items such as snacks, socks, and hygiene kits.


 

Texas Homeless Network,
Giving Hope, Inc.,
Denton County Homeless Coalition, and ODB worked together to organize the count.



Why conduct the count?

Shaun Epperson of Texas Homeless Network/ Giving Hope, Inc, explained that the information is necessary to "assess needs, analyze gaps, identify priorities, secure funding, and identify solutions."
 
Why help with preparing for the count?

A graduate student from UNT explained that she helped pack backpack  and incentive bags as a way of giving back to the community.  Her grandmother was a struggling single mom who needed some community support at one time, and now she honors her grandmother by helping others.
Get 'Em While They're Hot...Tamales, That Is
The guests of ODB were recently treated to home-made tamales prepared by the Hernandez family.  The family surprised everyone with this unexpected meal, an act of caring and support for our guests.


 And who doesn't love a hot, spicy surprise in the cold of winter!
BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
Makes 2 quarts

Ingredients:
1 butternut squash (about 3 pounds)
1 sweet potato
1 medium onion
2 carrots
1 clove garlic
1 can light coconut milk (or regular for a stronger, fuller coconut taste)
pinch of whole cumin seeds
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F
Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. (You can save them to roast/toast later).
Poke a few holes in the yam.
Coat the carrots and yam with a bit of olive oil.
Cut the onion in half.
Line a large, shallow pan with foil.
Spread the vegetables on the pan.
Roast at 400°F for just over 45-50 minutes, adding the garlic after 20 minutes.
Add the cumin and coconut milk to the blender pitcher.
Let the roasted vegetables cool for 10-15 minutes.
Scoop the squash out of its skin.
Peel off the onion, garlic, and yam skins.
Add the squash, onion, garlic, and yam to the blender.
Process until smooth.
CHECKIN' IN WITH NATE

Nate Dears has an apt name. He has rapidly become quite near and dear to ODB.  Although he's only 6 months into his job here as a Vista Volunteer, he's gained many friends, sharpened his skills, and established some ideas about his next steps.

In addition to computer business skills, poise in a moment of need, and time management, Nate has gained understanding of the importance of relationships to accomplish goals. Daily, he sees that community agencies- Denton Community Food Center Community Food Room, Friends of the Family, Giving Hope, and Interfaith, to name a few- work together with ODB to give a hand up to our guests in small and large ways.
When Nate completes his year with us, he plans to pursue a career in social work. Way to serve, Nate!
300 West Oak Street, Suite 100
Denton, Texas 76201
(Located in St. Andrew Presbyterian Church)
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Executive Director, Millie Bell, (940) 566-1308